not believe one's ears

Meaning: To be so surprised by what one hears that it seems impossible.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Example: “When the principal announced a four-day week, the students couldn't believe their ears.”

Category: Body & Senses

Origin: A natural expression of disbelief, recorded in English from the early 17th century.

Equivalents in other languages

French: ne pas en croire ses oreilles — literally: to not be able to believe one's ears

dead on one's feet — To be utterly exhausted.
fall flat on one's face — To fail completely and embarrassingly.
one's blood runs cold — To be filled with sudden fear or horror.
poke one's nose into — To pry or interfere in matters that do not concern one.
rot one's brain — To dull one's mind through mindless activity.
put someone back on their feet — To help someone recover, financially, physically or emotionally.

the knives are out — People are openly hostile and ready to attack someone, usually to bring them down.
cross the Rubicon — To take an irreversible step.
like a bear with a sore head — In a very bad, irritable mood.
lay it on with a trowel — To flatter or exaggerate very heavily and without subtlety.
burst someone's bubble — To destroy someone's illusion or happy belief.
prick up one's ears — To suddenly start listening closely.

They are as mute as fishes. — Silence, whether enforced or chosen, leaves no trace of knowledge, intention, or presence…
A good name is better than riches. — Reputation and character endure longer than wealth and provide greater security across li…
A good name keeps its lustre in the dark. — Integrity unseen by others still preserves your character's worth and inner value.